The Gulf tourist

IF you happen to travel abroad, look at foreign tourists and compare him with those from the Arab Gulf region. The foreign tourist will most likely plan his trip day by day while the Gulf tourist will have no ready program but will leave it to work out itself day after day and hour by hour. The foreign tourist is keen to visit museums, as well as historical and tourist sites while the Gulf tourist will roam through markets, sit in cafes and hang out where other Arab Gulf tourists hang out. The foreign tourist will be fatigued by his daily activities while the feet of the Gulf tourist will be tired from his walk in the markets; his stomach will ache from too much food and his eyes will be dazzled by observing his other fellow Gulf tourists. For the foreign tourist, the vacation is a rare opportunity to learn about the lives, traditions and cuisines of other people. For the Gulf tourist, the vacation is a chance to meddle in the lives of other Gulf tourists who happen to be with him in the same place. It is also an opportunity for him to forget his traditions and values. Ironically, the Gulf tourist is usually looking for the very Arab food that he left at home. read more...........

World's third largest mall to open in Philippines

The world's third biggest shopping mall is to open in the Philippines capital this week, a vote of confidence on the country's economic prospects amid a global slowdown, its owners said Thursday. The launch on Friday of a 90,000-square-metre (22-acre) annex will make the SM City North Edsa mall the third biggest in the world with a gross floor area of 425,000 square metres (105 acres), SM Prime Holdings Inc. said in a statement. The company, a holding firm of the country's richest man Henry Sy, also owns the world's fourth, seventh, and 11th biggest malls, it added. SM Prime President Hans Sy said launching the project amid the global crisis "speaks of how we view the longer-term prospects of the country." read more.................

Beijing brushes off Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy"

China gave short shrift to U.S. rockers Guns N' Roses' controversial new album "Chinese Democracy" Tuesday, saying the music was bad and that they were not that popular anyway. The band's first album in 17 years was released Sunday and its Geffen Records label has already said it thinks it unlikely to be approved for release in China. "As far as I know, many people don't like this kind of music," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a news briefing. "It's too noisy and clamorous." Formed in California in 1985, the band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and won many international music awards. Their 1987 hit single "Sweet Child o' Mine" is frequently voted one of the great rock tracks of all time. But their new album has drawn a furious response from some Chinese Internet users, who read more...................

Blogging from 25,000 feet

Blogged with the Flock Browser

For an aviation geek like me, the simple act of flying is more then enough reason to get on a plane.

So when sassy airline Virgin America offered CNET the chance to test its new Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi service, I jumped at the chance. And yes, I'm writing this 25,000 feet or so (we're still climbing) above the Northern California coast. We're cruising on an hour-long demonstration flight out of the San Francisco International Airport. Check out the slideshow for more shots.

After passing 10,000 feet, I was able to find the sky-high Wi-Fi signal and create an account within minutes. The service works faster than I expected--not as quick as my cable Internet service at home but zippy nonetheless. Yahoo and CNET loaded relatively quickly, and CNET's Kara Tsuboi was able to stream videos. I went straight to blogging, so I didn't take much of an online tour, but it looks promising. read more..........

Gamca clinics continue to exploit OFWs

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino nurse Sitti Rashidam Abdul thought that she had finally fulfilled her dream of working in Saudi Arabia after passing a hiring firm’s standards, only to be denied that opportunity by a failed medical test administered by an exclusive group of clinics.Abdul is just one of the many Filipinos who wished to work in Saudi Arabia but were not allowed after failing to pass the exam administered by member clinics of the Gulf Cooperation Council-(GCC) Accredited Medical Clinics Association (Gamca).Under Saudi hiring policies, foreign workers from the Philippines and other Asian countries are required to pass the medical tests conducted only by Gamca clinics that use the “referral decking system."The “referral decking system" is a centralized medical referral decking system established in 2001 by GCC states — Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain supposedly to stop the proliferation of fake medical certificates and the transfer of communicable diseases from foreign workers to citizens of the GCC-member countries. read more......................

KSA urgently needs 600 Muslim nurses, says POEA

MANILA, Philippines — Saudi Arabia urgently needs 600 Muslim nurses to work in government hospitals in the holy cities of Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah (Medina), the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).Outgoing POEA Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz said a recent communication from the Saudi Ministry of Health said the nurses need not have prior experience as long as they are licensed and belong to the Muslim faith.Under Saudi law, only Muslims are allowed to enter Makkah and Medina, although exceptions are made depending on the necessity. read more.....................

Vietnamese Snake Wine

Vietnamese snake wine for sale in the Mekong Delta. The wine often contains scorpions and birds as well, but in this case it was plain cobra flavor.

Vietnamese snake wine is used to impress tourists and increase libido. Unfortunately, the taste doesn't quite live up to the marketing hype. Exploring, preparing and eating the local food will be a highlight of any trip to Vietnam. But while most Vietnamese cuisine is supremely palatable, there are a few local delicacies that break the mold. Vietnamese snake wine is one of them.
Enthusiastically offered to tourists at every available opportunity, snake wine is essentially snake-infused rice wine. It can be found all continue..................

Crossing the Street in Vietnam

Crossing the street in Vietnam is anything but pedestrian. But follow these basic guidelines, and you should stay safe from Saigon to Hanoi.

Crossing the street in Vietnam is something of an adrenaline sport: The traffic is mad, there are no discernible traffic rules, and accidents are an all too common sight. As a result, getting around Hanoi or Saigon on foot can be a pretty daunting project.
To help you cope with the traffic chaos and cross the street safely, here are a few tips that we picked up along the way:
* Don't look both ways. In fact, it's better if you don't look at all, lest you lose your nerve. It's also a mistake to focus on the oncoming traffic. If you make eye contact with other road users, you automatically forfeit the right of way. read more.................

Saigon Traffic - Saigon motorcyclists temporarily stopped in a dramatic break with tradition at a red light.

Multidirectional foot and motorcycle traffic in the middle of a Hanoi intersection.

Lining up for a busy intersection in central Saigon.

Night time Crossing - Central Hanoi, the only thing scarier than crossing the street in Vietnam is crossing the street in Vietnam at night.

Unsafe Crossing surrounded by speeding motorcycles on a pedestrian crossing in Hanoi.

Kissing Chemistry

You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss… hang on a minute. No it isn’t! Because when it comes to dating, a kiss can change everything. Sometimes it’s spine-tinglingly magical and sends shivers from your neck to your toes. And sometimes, well, it feels more like licking a wet fish. While the chemistry you feel on your night out says a lot about how the kiss might go, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of butterflies, chills, fireworks, and other memory-making moments. Try these lip-smacking tips to make this the first of many kisses to come. Read when the moment is rightEver found yourself bumbling and mumbling at the end of a date, wondering if your attempt at a good night smack will be the kiss of death? You’re not alone. “This is, without a doubt, one of the most common questions people ask me,” says Sheila Lee, creator of advice site Kissingbooth.com. So how do you tell if someone would welcome a smooch from you? According to Lee, look for these signs: Are they making tons of eye contact with you, or standing closer than a friend or business colleague would? If so, says Lee, this person probably wants you to go for it. continue...............

company plans to launch lunar cemetery

A US funeral business that specializes in launching cremated human remains into Earth's orbit has begun taking reservations for landing small capsules of ashes on the moon, announced the company's founder. "Celestis' first general public lunar mission could occur as early as 2010 and reservations are now being taken," said Charles M. Chafer, Celestis founder and president, in an email to AFP.
"We can send up to 5000 individual capsules to the lunar surface," he said. The company hopes to install a cemetery on the lunar surface to hold cremated remains of the dead, or a smaller symbolic portion of them, which one day could be visited by relatives of the deceased, said Chafer.
For transportation, Celestis has made deals with two other US private space companies, Odyssey Moon and Astrobotic Technology, which are currently working on making commercial flights to the moon.
For sending a tiny, one gram portion of cremated remains full story

the Saudi nurses

Nursing, one of the most hallowed of professions, still does not get its due today. It is a profession, which is ideally suited for women, that focuses on assisting individuals, families and communities. However, there are misgivings in the Kingdom about the women who take up nursing as a career.
Nurses are said to be angels in disguise. But in Saudi Arabia, nurses have a hard time being recognized as such. It is easy for a Saudi woman to say, “I am a nurse,” and then be overlooked as a potential wife. Read more...........

Explore the world's first Android-powered phone, the T-Mobile G1

Need to catch up with your Google Mail on the go? That's easy with Google Mail on Android. Keep your conversations going, search and find any message, and get notified when a new message arrives. Anywhere, and any time - for free.

* Get real phone to computer synchronisation: Changes on your computer will appear on your phone and vice versa.
* No need to refresh your inbox: Push email will keep your Google Mail up to date at all times.
* Same useful features and interface that you love on your computer. Use labels, stars and conversation view, just like you're used to.

Find out more about Android

List of streets in sampaloc - Manila

Mabuhay Rotonda (Welcome Rotonda) —
Mayon Avenue / Quezon Avenue [R-7] (Quezon Boulevard Extension) / E. Rodriguez, Sr. Avenue (España Extension)
Macaraig Street (North side only)
Josefina Street (South side only)
Blumentritt Road / Ibarra Street
Sisa Street
Instruccion Street
Basilio Street
A. H. Maceda Street (Washington Street)
Metrica Street
Craig Street
Kundiman Street
E. Quintos, Sr. Street
San Diego Street
Antipolo Street
Algeciras Street
Prudencio Street
R. S. Cristobal Street
Miguelin Street
V. G. Cruz Street (Economia)
J. Marzan Street
M. dela Fuente Street (Trabajo)
Maria Cristina
Don Quijote Street
Carola Street
Dos Castillas Street
M. Earnshaw Street (North side only)
A. H. Lacson Avenue (Gov. Forbes Street) [C-2]
Valencia Street (South side only)
Ruaño Drive (North side only, inside UST)
Extremadura Street (South side only)
P. Cayco Street (South side only)
Quezon Drive (North side only, inside UST)
M. F. Jhocson (South side only)
Centro Street (South side only)
Osmeña Drive (North side only, inside UST)
Moret Street (South side only)
Galicia Street (South side only)
Tamayo Drive (North side only, inside UST)
Padre Noval Street
Eloisa Street (North side only)
G. M. Tolentino Street (Cataluña Street)
Adelina Street (North side only)
Padre Campa Street
Pacquita Street (North side only)
Lerma [R-7] / Nicanor Reyes Street (Morayta)

Sampaloc area is one of the oldest residential areas of old pre-colonial Manila, and today retains much of its uniquely Filipino atmosphere. Private room at Windsor Inn is only P350 pesos or less than US$7 dollars per night, nice and clean, probably the cheapest private rooms in Manila!

Tausug who uses to stay in Sampaloc

blogger free templates with good designs and colorful effect, click here
you don't want to see the blog templates? Worry no more, because i put some of the pictures as you seen right in front of your screen. They are from mang docmo boarding haus in P. Campa St., Sampaloc, Manila. I post them just for advertisement purpose.

From Blogger Pictures

From Blogger Pictures

From Blogger Pictures

Lawmakers pass OFW loan scheme bill

MANILA, Philippines - A bill granting credit assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has been approved on third reading at the House of Representatives.Under the bill, an OFW who has a valid contract as certified by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) may get a P50,000 loan from the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA), for living expenses of dependents before starting work abroad.Payments will be through bank transactions with simple and easy loan terms.A bank account must be opened under the name of the OFW or a member of the immediate family as co-borrower. Monthly remittances of salaries abroad will be deposited, and repayments deducted, from this accountThe loan will be granted and released to the contract worker by the OWWA upon the submission of an employment contract, a plane ticket, and a certification that a bank account had been opened. It will be covered by loan redemption insurance from the Government Service Insurance System, premiums for which must be paid by the applicant OFW.The loan is to be paid in 12 monthly installments at an interest rate of not more than 6% per annum. The OFW must execute authorize the bank to withhold the monthly loan amortization from remittances.Failure to pay the loan and or any violation of the terms of agreement could mean a ban on future overseas employment

GUIDELINES ON THE REGISTRATION OF WORKER-ON-LEAVE / BALIK MANGGAGAWA

1. Who is a Worker-on-leave or Balik-Manggagawa?

A worker-on-leave (WOL) or Balik-Manggagawa (BM) shall refer to an overseas Filipino Worker
(OFW) who is on vacation or on leave and is returning to the same employer.

The following are also considered as WOL/BM :

• OFWs who will join / return to the same employer who has transferred to another jobsite;
• OFWs who have partially served their present employer;
• Undocumented OFWs (tourists, dependents, students, businessman) who became OFWs and have partially served the same employer.

2. Who are not qualified to register as WOL/BM?

The following persons are not qualified to register as WOL/BM:
• Dependents of overseas workers
• Filipinos who are permanent residents of a foreign country. (They can avail of the privilege of travel tax exemption for balik-bayan by applying at the Philippine Tourism Authority)
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who changed employer and whose contracts have not yet been served.

3. What does a WOL/BM need to do before going back to the jobsite?

A WOL/BM needs to register at POEA and secure a POEA travel exit clearance before leaving
the Philippines.

4. What is a POEA travel exit clearance?

It is a clearance issued by POEA to OFWs who exit from the Philippines for employment purpose.
OFWs with working visas/employment contracts will be allowed to leave the Philippines only if they have a POEA travel exit clearance which comes in the following forms:

a. Overseas Employment Certificate(OEC) – issued in the different POEA regional offices/ regional extension units/satellite offices, POEA deputized OWWA Offices and Philippine Overseas Labor Offices. It is also issued during manual processing of BMs at the POEA Central Office.

b. E-receipt – issued for computerized processing at the POEA Central Office and POEA Regional Offices. It is an integrated receipt for payments of POEA, OWWA, and Philhealth fees.

c. Multiple Travel Exit Clearance(MTEC) The multiple travel exit clearance is a set of two or more clearances issued to a worker-on-leave/Balik manggagawa for use as an exit document within a period of twelve months from date of issuance. It allows the worker-on-leave/balik manggagawa who exits from the Philippines more than once in a period of twelve months to secure his exit clearance on a one-time basis.
The following offices are issuing multiple travel exit clearance:

POEA Main Office, Ortigas

POEA REGIONAL CENTER FOR LUZON
2nd Floor, LZK-Zamboanga Bldg., Quezon Avenue
City of San Fernando, La Union
Telefax No. (072) 242-5608 / 700-4236

POEA POEA SATTELITE OFFICE
DOLE Compound, Trece Martirez, Tacloban City
Telefax No. (053) 321-7134

POEA REGIONAL EXTENSION UNIT – REGION X
Ground Floor, Trinidad Bldg., Corrales Avenue
Cagayan de Oro City
Telefax No. (08822) 724-824

POEA REGIONAL CENTER FOR MINDANAO
2nd Floor, AMYA II Bldg., Quimpo Blvd cor. Tulip O Drive
Ecoland, Davao City
Telefax No (082) 297-7429 / 297-7650
POLO Jeddah
POLO Singapore
All overseas Filipino workers leaving on employment visa / work or equivalent document (such as no objection certificate [NOC], employment pass, gainful occupation permit, confirmation of the right to labor activity, work visa guaranty) shall be required to secure an exit clearance from the POEA or its deputized offices.

Filipino workers with overseas employment contracts but are issued visas other than work / employment (such as: business and visit visa) for the purpose of facilitating the mobilization, shall likewise be required to secure exit clearances from POEA or its deputized offices (POEA Advisory No. 15, series of 2005).

5. What are the uses of a POEA travel exit clearance?

a. It serves as travel exit pass for OFWs at the airports.
b. It serves as an exemption certificate from payment of Travel Tax and airport terminal fee upon
presentation to the airline counter and airport terminal fee counter.
c. It serves as a worker’s guarantee that he is covered by government protection and benefits;
Pursuant to Section 35, Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act 1995 (Republic Act 8042), OFWs shall be exempted from the payment of travel tax and airport terminal fee upon
presentation of the POEA exit clearance.

6. How can a WOL/BM avail of the travel tax exemption?

A WOL/BM can avail of the travel tax exemption by presenting a copy of the POEA travel
exit clearance to the airline company.

7. Where can a balik-mangagagawa secure a POEA travel exit clearance?

A worker-on-leave/Balik Manggagawa may secure a POEA exit clearance at the following
offices:

a. Balik Manggagawa Processing Division (BMPD) Service Area, POEA, Blas F. Ople (BFO) Bldg., Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City.
b. POEA Regional Centers / Regional Extension Units (REUs) and Satellite Offices (please refer to the list below)
c. POEA-deputized OWWA Regional Offices and Units (please refer to list below)
d. Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in various Philippine Embassies and consulates abroad (please refer to list below)
e. One Way Delivery System (Dropbox) at the POEA Central Office Service Area
f. On-line two-way delivery application at website: www.oecdelivery.com.ph

8. What is the on line (two-way ) application system for WOL/BM?

The on line (two-way) application system is a convenient and time-saving manner for the issuance
of the POEA travel exit clearance. With the new on-line process, a balik manggagawa may visit
the website www.oecdelivery.com.ph, fill up and submit on-line the OFW information sheet and
print said document. The printed information sheet has bar codes for easier uploading of
information to the POEA database. The WOL/BM need not go to POEA for application of travel
exit clearance.

9. How can I apply on line for my POEA travel exit clearance?

The procedure for on-line application for POEA travel exit clearance is as follows:
1. Log on to : www.oecdelivery.com.ph
2. Select the “Apply Now” button to accomplish the on line OFW information sheet
3. Select the “Submit” button and print the OFW information sheet on two sheets of long bond
paper
4. Prepare photocopies of supporting documents as listed in page 2 of printed OFW info sheet
(such as passport and visa)
5. Submit printed OFW info sheet, supporting documents and fees to any 2Go Branch/Aboitiz
(nationwide)
6. Travel exit clearance (OEC) to be delivered to OFW. No need to go to POEA

10. What is the one way - service delivery system (dropbox) for WOL/BM?

A BM walk-in applicant who do not want to go through the POEA queuing system may opt to
avail of the one-way service delivery system. The BM submits the OFW Info sheet, photocopies
of BM’s passport, visa, etc and prescribed fees to the Balikmanggagawa OEC Delivery Booth
located at the Balikmanggagawa Processing Division, POEA, Blas F. Ople Bldg., Ortigas Ave. cor
EDSA, City of Mandaluyong. The POEA travel exit clearance will be delivered to the BM/WOL
right at their doorstep.

11. What are the documents needed to get a POEA exit clearance (e-receipt/OEC/MTEC)?
a. Valid original passport
b. Valid re-entry visa, work permit or any equivalent document
c. Others:
- Any proof that OFW is returning to the same employer (such as : company ID, employment certificate, pay slip, etc). for WOL/BMs with newly issued documents and visas or if OFW has no record on file at POEA
- Copy of employment contract (for MTEC issuance)

12. What are the fees in securing the POEA travel exit clearance?
The prescribed fees are:
P 100.00 – POEA Processing Fee
P 900.00 – Philhealth Premium (payment valid for one year)
US$ 25.00 or its peso equivalent – OWWA Membership Fee (payment valid per contract
duration at a maximum of 2 years)
A Worker-on-Leave with valid OWWA membership and Philhealth coverage shall only pay Php
100.00 for issuance of travel exit clearance.
Service fees for the one way delivery and two way delivery system is paid by the WOL/BM to the
service provider.

13. How long will it take a WOL/BM to secure the POEA travel exit clearance?
a. Processing at the POEA Central Office takes a maximum of 20 minutes from the time the worker is called to present his documents to the POEA evaluator up to the time he is referred to the assessor and cashier for payment of the travel exit clearance; WOL/BMs are, advised that there is a queuing system because of the volume of BMs applying for the exit clearance at the POEA Central Office.
b. For the one way delivery system/dropbox, the processing of documents is done within the day. The exit clearance is delivered to the worker within 1-3 days depending on the delivery zone;
c. For the two way delivery system, provided that all documents are in order, the exit clearance is delivered to the applicant’s residence within three working days for Metro Manila residents and five working days for non-Metro Manila residents.

14. What is the validity period of the POEA travel exit clearance?
a. The e-receipt and OEC are valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance;
b. The MTEC is valid for use as an exit document with a period of twelve months from date of
issuance.

15. In case of loss of the OEC/e-receipt/MTEC, can a WOL/BM apply for a replacement of the lost POEA exit clearances?

No, there shall be no re-issuance for lost e-receipt / OEC/ MTEC. The respective processing units
shall instead issue a certification of the particulars of the processed exit clearance or a certified
true copy thereof. Said certification shall be presented to the Bureau of Immigration, Philippine
Tourism Authority and Airport Terminal Fee counter for travel exit purpose.

16. What can a WOL/BM do if the POEA exit clearance has already expired before his date of departure?
An expired exit clearance shall be replaced upon submission of all the copies of the expired EReceipt/OEC and payment of processing fee of Php 100 for workers-on-leave. However, if the e-receipt / OEC have already been submitted to the Airline and the e-receipt / OEC numbers are already indicated in the airline ticket, the validity date shall be extended only up to the date of the confirmed flight.

17. Can dependents of OFWs or BMs avail of travel tax exemptions?
Dependents of OFWs can avail of the Reduced Travel Tax only if they are proceeding to the
OFW’s jobsite. Dependents are qualified until their 21st birthday.

18. What are the requirements for reduced travel tax for dependents of OFWs?
a. Certified copy of POEA Travel Exit Clearance;
b. Passport of dependent;
c. Marriage contract;
d. Plane ticket;

19. Where can the certified copy of the POEA travel exit clearance be secured?
The certified copy of the POEA travel exit clearance may be secured from the POEA Records
Division, BalikManggagawa Processing Division, Regional Offices, POLOs and other authorized
Offices which issued the travel exit clearance of the BM

20. What is the procedure to avail of reduced travel tax for OFW dependents?
• File all the requirements at the Philippine Tourism Authority for issuance of a Reduced
Travel Tax Certificate (RTTC);
• If the plane ticket was purchased abroad, the requirements may be presented at the PTA,
Airport or the PTA main office, with address at :

Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA)
Revenue Department, Travel Tax Division,
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
G/F 117. DOT Bldg., T.M. Kalaw, Manila.

21. What are the basic OFW documents that a WOL/BM should bring to the airport before
departure from the Philippines?

a. Valid Passport
b. POEA Travel exit clearance (OEC/e-receipt/MTEC) which should be presented to the
following:

• Airline check-in counter.
• Airport terminal fee counter to avail of the exemption from payment of terminal fee
• Bureau of Immigration counter.

POEA Regional Centers / Regional Extension Units (REUs) and Satellite Offices:

LA UNION POEA REGIONAL CENTER FOR LUZON
2nd Floor, LZK-Zamboanga Bldg., Quezon Avenue
City of San Fernando, La Union
Telefax No. (072) 242-5608 / 700-4236

BAGUIO CITY REGIONAL EXTENSION UNIT-CAR
Benitez Court Compound, Magsaysay Avenue,
Baguio City
Telefax No. (074) 442-9478 / 445-4209

POEA SATELLITE OFFICE-TUGUEGARAO
3rd Floor Sychangco Bldg., Bonifacio St.,
Tuguegarao City
Telefax (078) 844-3076

PAMPANGA POEA SATELLITE – REGION III
One Stop Clark Processing for OFW Claro M. Recto,
Pampanga
Fax No. (045) 893-4152

CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA SATELLITE OFFICE-REGION IV
No. 4 Penthouse, Hectan Commercial Center,
Chipeco Avenue, Brgy. Halang, Calamba City
4027 Laguna
Telefax No. (049) 834-7974

LEGASPI CITY POEA SATELLITE OFFICE-REGION V
Vista Al Mayon Compound, OWWA RU 5
Washington Drive, Legaspi City
Telefax No. (052) 820-4890

CEBU CITY REGIONAL CENTER FOR VISAYAS
Mezzanine Floor, LDM Bldg. MJ Cuenco Avenue cor.
Legaspi St., Cebu City
Fax (032) 256-0435 / 412-2939 / 2949

BACOLOD CITY SATELLITE OFFICE
2nd Floor, UTC Bldg., Araneta Alunan St.,
Singcang Bacolod City
Telefax No. (034) 434-7391

TACLOBAN CITY POEA POEA SATTELITE OFFICE
DOLE Compound, Trece Martirez, Tacloban City
Telefax No. (053) 321-7134

DAVAO CITY POEA REGIONAL CENTER FOR MINDANAO
2nd Floor, AMYA II Bldg., Quimpo Blvd cor. Tulip O Drive
Ecoland, Davao City
Telefax No (082) 297-7429 / 297-7650

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY POEA REGIONAL EXTENSION UNIT – REGION X
Ground Floor, Trinidad Bldg., Corrales Avenue
Cagayan de Oro City
Telefax No. (08822) 724-824

ZAMBOANGA CITY POEA REGIONAL EXTENSION UNIT – REGION IX
Unit 3 Dona Pura Bldg., Metrogate Corp.
Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City
Telefax No. (062) 992-5523

BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI ONE STOP PROCESSING CENTER
Initiative for Tawi-Tawi Area Development Foundation Bldg.,
Old Housing Proj., Bongao , Tawi-Tawi
(062) 268-1309

**POEA-DEPUTIZED OWWA REGIONALOFFICES AND UNITS
OWWA REGIONAL UNIT ILOILO CITY REGIONAL EXTENSION
Caraga 44 J. C Quirino Avenue, 8600 Butuan City

DOLE REGION 12
102 Acepal Bldg., Mabini Extension Koronadal City
(083) 228-2190 / 228-4920

***Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLOs ) in different jobsites:
Bahrain London Brunei
Washington, USA Toronto, Canada Jeddah, KSA
Greece Lebanon Hong Kong
Malaysia Macau Oman
Israel Rome/Milan, Italy Qatar
Libya Tokyo, Japan Singapore
Madrid Kuwait Dubai/AbuDhabi
South Korea Taipei/Kaoshong/ Taichung Saipan
Geneva Jordan Riyadh, KSA

ILOILO CITY REGIONAL EXT. UNIT
Region VI, 2nd Floor, S C Divina Gracia Bldg.,
Quezon Street , Iloilo City
Telefax No. (033) 335-1058 / 336-8611

OWWA CARAGA
Door 2 Nimfa Tiv Bldg., II J.P. Rosales Avenue,
Butuan City(085) 342-6178 / 225-5989
NOTE: Starting March 24, 2008, departing OFWs shall present the exit clearance or overseas employment certificate issued by the POEA directly to the airline counters, terminal fee counters, and the Bureau of Immigration counters.

How to be an OWWA Scholar: Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)

The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP) is another scholarship program offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for the land-based or sea-based OWWA member-OFWs of to their dependents/beneficiaries.

The SESP was made possible with the coordination of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This scholarship program offers six-month vocational and one year technical course following the regular school year calendar.

The qualified applicant for one year technical course will receive P14,000 financial assistance while P7,250 will be granted for six-month vocational course. The financial assistance will be given directly to the training institute where the dependents/beneficiaries enrolled.

Course offered:
· agriculture and fishery
· decorative crafts and ceramics
· processed food and beverages
· gifts, toys and housewares
· tourism (hotel and restaurant)
· jewelry
· metals and engineering
· furniture and fixtures
· garments
· construction
· communication/electronics/information technology
· maritime land transport
· health, social services and other community
· social and personal services

What are the requirements
1. Must be an active OWWA member (land-based or sea-based) or beneficiary/dependent of an active OWWA member
2. Must pass the TESDA qualifying examination or Multiple Aptitude Battery Test (MABT) on the program of choice
3. Have at least one (1) recorded membership contribution Three (3) additional membership contributions are required for subsequent availment. After completing the course, must submit for competency assessment and certification administered by TESDA or its accredited testing center.

Who are qualified beneficiaries/dependents
1. Child not older than 21 years old or spouse of a married OFW
2. Brother/sister not older than 21 years old of an unmarried OFW

You need to submit
1. Accomplished application forms (2 sets)
2. 1"x1" ID pictures (2 copies)
3. Form 137/HS Report Card or Transcript of Records/ official copy of grades
4. Proof of OWWA Membership: official receipt of OWWA contribution/OFW E-Card
5. If a Member's beneficiary: proof of relationship to OWWA member (e.g. copy of marriage contract and/or birth certificate of both OFW and applicant- dependent duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar)

To avail of the OWWA scholarship, please bring the requirements mentioned above at the nearest OWWA office. For more information please visit the OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph

FAQ’s about the Pag-Ibig Overseas Program

Securing the future of their family and loved ones is one of the primary reasons why most Filipinos prefer to work abroad. To help OFWs achieve their dreams, the Pag-IBIG Fund has a program that allows overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to purchase a home and plan for their family’s future though the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program.

What is Pag-IBIG Fund?
The Pag-IBIG Fund is a nationwide savings fund established in December 14, 1980, through Presidential Decree No. 1752.

Today Pag-IBIG is one of the strongest financial institutions in the country with an asset level of over Php 29 billion. Active membership stands at 1.8 million nationwide. Total membership base is 2.1 million. As a shelter agency, Pag-IBIG has made possible the construction of over 95,000 housing units all over the Philippines under its various housing load programs.

What is the Pag-Ibig Overseas Program?
The Pag-IBIG Overseas Program was launched to give Overseas Filipinos the opportunity to save for their future and at the same time giving them the chance to avail of a housing loan as much as Php 500,000 with interest rates ranging from 9%-17% per annum depending on the load amount.

Who may join?
Membership under the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) shall be open to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with valid visas or employment contracts. Likewise, it shall be open to Filipino immigrants and to Filipinos naturalized in other countries.

Requirements for membership application: Accomplished Member's Data Form, Membership contribution payment on a monthly or quarterly basis at your option

Mail or submit the accomplished Member's Data Form to:Pag-IBIG Overseas Department6/F Atrium of Makati, Makati Ave., Makati, M.M., Philippines 1200c/o Vincent N. Nery or Voltair M. dela Rosa
POP contributions made in foreign currency shall be converted to its peso equivalent on the date when payment was made, rounded off to the nearest dollar. POP members may also opt to pay the required/upgraded contributions in its local currency (peso) equivalent.
What is the membership term/maturity?
The accumulated savings under the program may only be withdrawn at the end of five (5), ten (10), fifteen (15), or twenty (20) years at the option of the member upon membership registration. Withdrawal of contributions shall be in Philippine peso. Contributions in foreign denomination shall be converted to Philippine peso based on the prevailing US dollar exchange rate as of payment date.

How can one avail of a loan?
POP members may avail themselves of the housing loan benefit, subject to the provisions of the existing Consolidated Guidelines of the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan Program, through their immediate family members with the execution of a Special
Power of Attorney (SPA), duly certified by the Philippine embassy or consulate in the country of their workplace. They can also avail of the Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL), subject to the existing guidelines of the MPL Program
Where can members file their application for membership, withdrawal of savings, remit or pay their monthly savings/ loan amortization?
Pag-IBIG Overseas Program Office
POP Overseas Offices
Accredited Overseas Marketing Representatives
Metro Manila and Provincial Offices
What to submit to apply for refund of savings?
Original copy of POP Passbook
Application for Provident Benefit
Special Power of Attorney ( if applicable)

How long is the processing period
Ten (10) working days

Where can I pay?
Remittance of contributions may be made through our accredited collecting banks:
Europe
PNB London (Savings Acct. No. 0725-219601-401)
ABC UK (UKD 2000097)

Asia Pacific
PNB HK (Savings Acct. No. 0730-475270-501)
United States of America
Oceanic Bank (Savings Acct. No. 3700143)
PNB New York (Savings Acct. No 1713)
ABC Guam (Savings Acct. No. 5000-00355-4)

Middle East
BPI - Atrium (Savings Acct. No. 3124-0221-09) Speed cash
ABC Head Office (Savings Acct. No. 1002-071759)
Canada
Bank of Nova Scotia (Savings Acct. No. 2164-10)

Remittance may also be made to any of the following banks:

RCBC (Savings Acct. No. 8000-08787-5)
PNB Makati Ave. (Savings Acct. No. 265706641-1)
LBP (Savings Acct. No. 2204-008496)
PCIB (Savings Acct. 5463-00176-8)

What will happen to my savings?
Your total savings shall enjoy the following features:Fixed dividends for members with no outstanding loans at the following rates• 7.5% p.a. on P contributions• 3.0% p.a. on US$ contributions• 2.5% p.a. on C$ contributions

Tax-free dividend earningsGuaranteed by the Philippine Government up to 100%Portability. Your savings shall remain in your name even if you transfer employers or country of domicile (residence).

When can I withdraw my total savings?
Your accumulated savings under the Program may be withdrawn at the end of 5, 10, 15 or 20 years depending on the membership term you opted for upon registration.
Withdrawal of contributions shall be in Philippine Peso, US Dollars or Canadian Dollars depending on which form of currency the contributions were remitted. Hence, all dollar contributions shall be refunded in dollars, and all peso contributions in pesos.
Withdrawals of savings before maturity shall be allowed in any of the following cases: Death, Total Disability / Insanity

When can I avail of a housing loan?
You can avail of housing loan under the Overseas Program if you:Have been a Pag-IBIG member for at least 6 monthsHave made at least 12 monthly contributionsAre a contributing member upon loan applicationAre not more than 65 years old at the date of loan maturityHave the legal capacity to contract and purchase real property under Philippine lawsHave no outstanding housing loan except lot purchase loan at the Pag-IBIG Fund either as principal or co-borrower

Where can I use my loan?
House construction on a lot owned by the member Purchase of a lot and construction of a house thereonLot purchase not exceeding P 150,000Major home improvementRefinancing of an existing loan

What is the loan repayment period?
The loan is payable in 5 or 10 years (for contract workers) and is 5, 10, 15, or 20 years (for immigrants and Filipino-Americans/Canadians) with the first payment due on the calendar month immediately following the receipt of the total loan proceeds by the borrower.

Back-door Exit Via Jeddah No Longer Allowed

The Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) warned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who fled from their employer and want to be repatriated to the Philippines via the back-door exit through Jeddah. The runaway OFWs are advised to think twice before doing this because KSA is now aware of the practice and even implemented a stricter deportation rules.

The Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) warned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who fled from their employer and want to be repatriated to the Philippines via the back-door exit through Jeddah. The runaway OFWs are advised to think twice before doing this because KSA is now aware of the practice and even implemented a stricter deportation rules.

Filipinos who wants to exit via back-door in Jeddah will claim that they are Umrah visa holders, since all expenses will be shouldered by the Saudi government. But this visa is valid only for a week and is issued only to Muslims who will visit and pray in the Holy Cities of Makkah, Madinah and its connecting roads.

The Philippine Ambassador Antonio Villamor said that the back door entry is no longer true and that claiming to be Umrah visa holder is neither the right nor easy way to get back home. Since the Saudi immigration and deportation is now aware of the practice, they thoroughly check the documents of expatriates including Filipinos.

Expats who are not from a Muslim country or do not have a Muslim name must be able to present documents to prove that Islam is really their religion. The same is true for those who converted from other religion to Islam.

Since there are OFWs who have changed their names as well as their religion for a faster processing of their repatriation, the immigration has tighten their screening and OFWs are not allowed to leave unless they have submitted proof of their identity that causes some delays of their deportation process.

The ambassador said that they tried to seek help from the immigration and deportation authorities for Filipinos who are staying under the bridge for a few months but they were only sent back from where they came from.

The ambassador also said that the Philippine Embassy is not supporting the back door exit because it is not for the best interest of OFWs. They also reminded OFWs who works in KSA to lawfully obey their rules and regulations of their host country.

Likewise they advised Filipino community organizations to refrain from helping their fellow OFWs. They can instead contact the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, or the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) for appropriate action.

Travel Advisory in KSA: Declare Cash, Jewelries over SR60 K

Filipino travelers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) traveling in and out in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to declare cash and jewelries over SR60,000 (Saudi Riyals) or its equivalent in other currency upon arrival or departure to avoid confiscation or legal penalties.

Filipino travelers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) traveling in and out in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to declare cash and jewelries over SR60,000 (Saudi Riyals) or its equivalent in other currency upon arrival or departure to avoid confiscation or legal penalties.

Secretary of DoLE, Marianito D. Roque, issued the advisory after receiving the announcement from the Saudi Embassy in Manila. The announcement states that this act of the KSA government is part of the country’s battle against money laundering and funding of terrorist.

“The Kingdom is among the first few countries, which gave special attention to counter money laundering by committing to and complying with many rules and international conventions,” the Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf said.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts to combat money laundering at the national, regional and international levels, the advisory stated.

Declaration forms can be found in all entry points in Saudi, such as airports and seaports. Necessary information includes name, passport numbers and addresses in Saudi Arabia, country of origin and destination, flight numbers, the type of currency carrying, the total amount in Saudi riyals, value of precious metals in Saudi riyals, source and the purpose of carrying them.

The Kingdom strictly implement the rule as it is in accordance with Article 14 of the Anti-Money Laundering Law of the Kingdom and those who will be caught violating will to pay customs duty on them on their return.

This is very important for OFWs and Filipino travelers to know since they are fond of buying expensive jewelries for their family and others are for investment purposes.

Passport Services for OFWs in POEA

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) need not go to the main office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to obtain a passport. They can take care of their passport needs right at POEA because the DFA satellite office there now gives full-service passport services for OFWs.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) need not go to the main office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to obtain a passport. They can take care of their passport needs right at Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) because the DFA satellite office there now gives full-service passport services for OFWs.

This would be very helpful and convenient for OFWs because almost all legal overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) go to the office of the POEA to process their papers.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who applied for a passport at the POEA office have to wait for seven or fourteen working days before their passport is released.

The DFA reminds all OFWs to apply for a passport way before their flight schedule to avoid hassles and delays. They are also advised to get a maroon-colored Machine Readable Passport (MRP) that is being issued by the government agency since July of last year.

The MRP complies with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. The new passport makes checking of passport at port of entry easier, increase the credibility of the Philippine passport, protects the holder’s identity better. Every country today issues MRP.

Passport Fees:
Released after 14 working days: Php 500
Released after 7 working days: Php 750
Requirements for Passport Application

Personal appearance
Authenticated birth certificate from NSO
Completed application form
3 colored passport pictures with royal blue background,
At least two government-issued identification cards
Documents proving the applicant's identity and citizenship

The passport application form and guidelines may be downloaded at www.dfa.gov.ph

Online Registration System for OFWs

Good news to all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Now there is a faster and more convenient way to apply for their clearances as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) launched an online registration system. The new system aims to speed up the documentation process of all departing and returning OFWs.

Good news to all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Now there is a faster and more convenient way to apply for their clearances as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) launched an online registration system. The new system aims to speed up the documentation process of all departing and returning OFWs.

The POEA Chief, Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz informed that application for POEA clearances can now be done via the internet. Baldoz said, "With the new process, a returning worker may visit www.poea.gov.ph to fill out and submit online the OFW information sheet, and print the document. The printed information sheet has bar codes for easier uploading of information to the POEA database."

Where to submit the printed information sheet?

For regular processing: To the POEA Balik-Manggagawa Processing Center

One-way delivery system: Teleserve Balik-Manggagawa Express Office at the agency's office in Ortigas, Pasig City

Two-way delivery system: To any Aboitiz/To Go branch

International airports require departing OFWs to present their exit clearances.
Issuance of exit clearances is also available at the regional and deputized offices of POEA as well as Philippine Overseas Labor Offices.
Baldoz added that an online registration system is also available for jobseekers who wish to get an overseas job via the POEA’s government placement branch. Visit the POEA website to use the new registration system. Previously registered applicants can access the old online system to edit their registration profile.

Group of Recruitment Agencies Against Saudi’s Unified Contract

The largest organization of licensed landbased recruitment agencies in the Philippines, the Philippine Association of Service exporters in the Philippines (PASEI), is against the implementation of a Recruitment and Manpower Deployment Contract (aka unified contract scheme ) being proposed by the Saudi National Recruitment Committee, (Sanarcom), a Saudi recruitment agency.

The largest organization of licensed landbased recruitment agencies in the Philippines, the Philippine Association of Service exporters in the Philippines (PASEI), is against the implementation of a Recruitment and Manpower Deployment Contract (aka unified contract scheme ) being proposed by the Saudi National Recruitment Committee, (Sanarcom), a Saudi recruitment agency.

The said unified contract scheme would greatly affect the deployment process of overseas Filipino workers (OFWS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and according to PASEI, would result to the exploitation of Pinoy workers.

To describe how the proposed recruitment scheme will be a disadvantage to OFWS, PASEI used the term modern day slavery. Victor E. Fernandez Jr, PASEI President said, "This unilateral imposition of the Sanarcom will result in an ‘involuntary servitude, leaving Sanarcom rich and OFWs exploited."

Fernadez added, "If the members of Congress, other government agencies and non-government organizations really care about workers’ rights, they should join the campaign against the scheme."

If approved, the unified contract scheme will take away the role of licensed recruitment agencies in the deployment of OFWs to Saudi Arabia because they will not be able to directly deal with Saudi employers. Employers from Saudi Arabia can only communicate their desire to hire OFWs through Sanarcom.

Acting as a third party, the Sanarcom will also help hired OFWs in the processing of their visa, thus Philippine agencies will not be allowed to directly process visas of hired workers.

With the unified contract, government agencies like the Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs (OUMWA), the Department of Labor (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), would also not be able to satisfactorily protect the welfare of OFWs.

A condition in the unified contract specifies that the working relationship between and OFW and Saudi employer would be governed by a substituted and another work contract presented by the SANARCOM. This will disregard the original approved POEA contract verified by the POLO.

Fernandez explained that if this is tolerated, it would certainly spawn the abhorrent practice of contract "substitution" to the detriment of the OFWs and subjects the worker to permitted abuses.

Fernandez asked "Will government turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the onslaught and clear "legitimization of oppression and abuses to be committed to our OCWs under the Unified Contract scheme by SANARCOM?"

The unified contract is scheduled to take effect on September 1 of this year but PASEI are doing everything it can to stop the implementation of the unified contract. The PASEI appealed to concerned government agencies and both the Senate and the Lower House to support them in their fight.

The said scheme had been proposed in 2003 and 206 but was not successfully implemented due to opposition of labor-exporting countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
According to the president of PASEI, "We strongly oppose this scheme because it is virtually devoid of any consultation with the Philippine government, industry stakeholders and most especially with the Filipino migrant workers' groups and OCWs who will be greatly disadvantaged by the proposed onerous scheme."

In the event that the unified contract scheme will push through on September 1, PASEI will continue its campaign against it by discouraging industry stakeholders to sign any "unified contract" with any Saudi recruitment agency regardless if they are members of the SANARCOM group of KSA, or any manpower agency or intermediary in the Middle East.

Fernandez is also determined discuss this issue to the ILO, IOM, UNIFEM and concerned NGOs such as Consultative Council for OFW (CCOFW) and Migrante as well as with the newly formed Alliance of Asian Associations of Overseas Employment Service Providers composed of Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam.

Fernandez also appealed to PASEI’s member agencies: Prevent the oppression of our OFWs and to take the moral high grounds and show our genuine concern for the rights and welfare of the OFWs we deploy because the problems and concerns of our OFWs are our concerns as well. Our OFWs need not be defenseless and strong determined decisive action in unison with government and industry stakeholders is the battle cry of the day to protect our OCWs as well as other migrant workers from other labor-exporting countries."

The PASEI president formally asked the assistance of POEA by requesting them to cancel the licenses of the Philippine recruitment agencies who would sign the contract.

Filipino Cooks In-Demand Abroad

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) informed that job prospects are bright for Filipino cooks/chefs abroad. Filipino culinary experts are urgently needed in counties such as United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Malaysia.

Foreign countries prefer Filipino cooks because of their proficiency in communicating with the English language and excellent work ethics. Aside from restaurants, Pinoy cooks can choose from other work setting such as hotels, food courts, hospitals and cruise liners.

The high demand encourages more Filipinos to enroll in culinary schools despite the expensive tuition fees. Most are attracted to the possibility of earning USD 2000 to USD 4000 overseas.

One proof is the proliferation of culinary schools in the country, From one cooking school in operating in year 2000, there are already 400 cooking schools in the Philippines today.
Pinoy chef Gene Cordova said, “’Yung tinatawag natin na culinary fever is something here to stay and more than that it’s not really something na uso pero talagang innate na ito sa ating mga Pilipino."

View the latest job openings for cooks/chefs at WorkAbroad.ph.

Saudi’s Unified Contract

The implementation of the Saudi’s unified contract scheme, a proposed system in the recruitment and deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound to Saudi Arabia is indefinitely suspended. This new development is the result of the agreement reached by authorities of recruitment agencies in the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Overseas Placement Association of the Philippines (OPAP) and Federated Association of Manpower Exporters (FAME) president, Mr. Ed Mahiya, expressed the gratefulness of the overseas employment industry to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for bringing up this issue with the Saudi officials.
Philippine recruitment agencies is against the implementation of the unified contract scheme because it will make the OFWs more prone to abuse and exploitation. Under the proposed hiring system, working visas of OFWs will be handled by a Saudi recruitment office. This practice will minimize the role of Philippine government agencies and recruitment agencies; it will also encourage the entry of brokers in the recruitment process.
Increase in the amount of placement fee is also possible if the unified contract scheme push through. Since the new hiring scheme will add a new layer in the recruitment system, fees may rise by Php 50,000 to Php 200,000.
Lito Soriano, a recruitment consultant said that this type of recruitment system when implemented increases placement fees in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, etc. The Saudi unified contract scheme was first proposed in year 2002 to 2003 but was blocked by the industry.
Under the present and traditional hiring scheme of OFWs to Saudi Arabia, workers can be deployed without paying any placement fee. This is possible through licensed agencies who has a no placement fee policy

The Tulay Microsoft Program

The Tulay or Bridge Education Program aims to train overseas Filipino worker with the use of the internet. This would help both of them to access the technology that would serve as bridge to communicate with each other.

The Tulay Microsoft Project was launched by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and was made possible through the partnership of Microsoft Philippines. This program is under the Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential (UP).

The project primarily aims to provide technology and skills for underserved individuals. Through the Tulay Microsoft Project, OFWs and their families will learn to use basic functionalities of computer such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel as well as the internet and e-mail use at the Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLC).

Tulay will also help OFWs to increase their value in the workplace since they will be equipped with knowledge in information technology (IT). This will also help them become competitive among other nationalities.

The project will also lessen a broken family which is a common problem that arises from the OFWs due to prolonged separation. Because of the accessibility and ease of the internet they can communicate with their love ones thus minimized the social impact of being away home.

The CTLCs are located at the OWWA Central Office, OWWA Satellite Office in POEA, OWWA Regional Welfare Offices in La Union, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. The CTLCs overseas are located in Riyadh (KSA), Hong Kong, and Taichung (Taiwan).

Tuloy-Aral Project
The Tuloy-Aral Project is another educational program brought to you by DOLE and OWWA. This project would give a chance to children of less fortunate OFWs and other poor elementary and high school children to purse their studies.

The DOLE and OWWA regional offices, with the participation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), searched for children of former OFWs who need financial assistance to continue their study. The DSWD or DOLE/OWWA prepares a family profile that shall serve as the basis for the selection of the beneficiary.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) also plays a vital role in this project. They looked for OFWs, as well as OFW organization, who are fortunate enough, financially stable and can act as foster parents.

If the OFW is able to act as foster parents, they are requested to provide US $ 100.00 financial support per year to the child-beneficiary to enable him/her to continue his/her elementary or high school education. The money given to the child will cover the expenses for expenses such as books, school supplies, materials for projects, transportation, authorized school contributions, and allowance for the whole school year.

The performance of the child is monitored by the OWWA Family Welfare Officers. The Tuloy-Aral project is available nationwide as it is being replicated in each region of the country.

To avail of the OWWA scholarship, please bring the requirements mentioned above at the nearest OWWA office. For more information please visit the OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph.

Int'l forum on migration to promote cheap labor

MANILA, Philippines - The upcoming Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) is a sham that will promote cheap labor and push an anti-labor financing strategy, militant think tank IBON Foundation said Saturday.IBON, which is part of the alternative International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees (IAMR), said the "genuine" voice of migrants would be to reject the GFMD."GFMD holds more significance this year because it is being hosted by the Arroyo administration. Her rule is a nightmare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). No other regime has bled the OFWs dry with enormous exactions from fees to charges to taxes. It has duped OFWs to part with their earnings in collusion with big business, illegal recruiters, traffickers and racketeers, and in utter disregard of the abuses and violations of migrants' rights. It is currently riding high on the phenomenal increase in dollar remittances even as OFWs continue to reel from the falling value of their dollars," it said in a statement on its website (info.ibon.org).IBON said GFMD is a creation of First World countries and international financial institutions (IFIs) like the World Bank to corner remittances of migrants.They then use it to sell neoliberal anti-poverty financing strategy that relies on the remittances of migrant workers, it added."The false notion of 'migration for development' that the GFMD peddles further promotes the systematic exploitation of cheap labor. It is meant to capture the remittances of migrants to ensure super profits of bank monopolies and ensure that debt-ridden economies have enough reserves to pay off debts, especially amid the raging financial crisis," IBON said.GFMD thrives on the poverty of Third World countries and forces them to institutionalize migration policies, it added."Clearly, the agenda and framework of the GFMD reveals that what is in store is greater commoditization of migrant labor, and greater exploitation and miseries of migrant workers," it said.IBON said it is time to expose the GFMD as a predatory scheme that does not address the root causes of underdevelopment and the massive migration of poor people, much less consider the harsh conditions and legitimate issues of migrant workers.The GFMD does not promote the development of poor countries but pushes them deeper into the quagmire of poverty, it said."The GFMD is a sham assembly that talks about migrants but deliberately excludes the migrants themselves. It talks about the protection of migrants but in reality violates our rights. First World countries, IFIs, banks, businesses, and governments of poor countries-- which have profited immensely and unscrupulously from our hard labor-- are the same institutions that are behind the GFMD. After years of neglect, abuse and exploitation, it is time that the genuine voice of the migrants be heard: No to GFMD! No to labor export policy! No to forced migration! Create jobs at home! End poverty! Defend and advance our rights!" it said

OFWs need not feel isolated due to IT advances

MANILA, Philippines - A professor from the University of the Philippines on Thursday said that overseas Filipino workers (OFW) have no more reason to feel isolated because of the advances in information technology we have today.

“There’s no reason for an OFW to be isolated at this time," said Ma. Catalina Tolentino, a senior lecturer and researcher on Thursday during a forum at the School of Labor and Industrial Relations in UP Diliman.

According to Tolentino, information technology is becoming a tool of empowerment for OFWs as they maximize the new modes of correspondence.

She said that in terms of what form of technology is mostly used, it would be the cellular phone because it has penetrated all classes of society from high to middle and even the lower economic strata across all age groups.

“The cellular phone has a stronger penetration and diffusion than the computer because it almost doesn’t take into account one’s age and income bracket," she said.

On the other hand, she said the computer has a lower rate of penetration compared with the cellular phone, citing a study that said 76 percent of Filipinos owned mobile phones.

Based on the 2001 report of the National Computer Center, only three million Filipinos had access to the Internet while most of its users were those aged below 29 years.

Still, Tolentino said the computer is slowly gaining popularity within the OFW circuit.

“Merong domestic helpers na may laptops, sa Singapore mura lang, pwede ring bumili sila ng pinaglumaan (There are domestic helpers who have laptops, its cheaper in Singapore, they can also buy second-hand)," she said.

The professor said that in Taichung, Taiwan, there are factory workers whose dormitories are equipped with Internet facilities that allow them to communicate with their families, which she said is important in keeping familial ties intact.

“These communication technologies help sustain relationships among transnational families. It is now possible to maintain long-distance parenting, long-distance marriage and bridge emotional gaps," she said.

“Connectivity at the family level is the most crucial, the family being the basic unit in Philippine society," the professor said.

Meanwhile, Tolentino also mentioned importance of the Tulay program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Microsoft Philippines.

The Tulay or Bridge Education Program provides OFWs information technology training that would enable them and their families to communicate through the Internet.

It is a part of Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential (UP), a global initiative aimed at providing technology and skills for underserved individuals.

“The graduates believe in the effectiveness of the Internet as a tool in corresponding with their relatives abroad," said Tolentino.

Through the program, OFWs and their families get to learn the basics of computer applications such as MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel, as well as Internet and e-mail use at the Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLC).

The CTLCs being maintained and operated by the Department of Labor and Employment and OWWA are located at the OWWA Central Office, OWWA Satellite Office in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, OWWA Regional Welfare Offices in La Union, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro.

The OWWA overseas posts with CTLCs are Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Taichung in Taiwan. - GMANews.TV


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